Alissa Musto, 16, daughter of musician Billy Musto, is one of six finalists for the National Music and Arts Find Your Voice contest on Facebook.

“(The Find Your Voice Contest) was a contest for musicians ages 13-17 nationwide,” said Musto. “...There were almost 1,000 entries, and they narrowed it down to six. The last few weeks there’s been internet voting, and the winner will get a scholarship for music lessons and $2,000 towards a new instrument.”

The winner, according to Musto, will also get a chance to meet YouTube sensation Greyson Chance — who, because of the popularity of his YouTube videos, was recently signed to Ellen DeGeneres’s new record label eleveneleven.

“If you win, you also get a trip (to meet Chance), but they haven’t said where yet,” said Musto.

Musto comes from a line of musicians, as her father, her father’s uncle and her father’s cousin all play professionally.

Musto’s siblings also play instruments. Olivia, 14, is an all-state saxophone player and William, 11, is beginning to learn the piano.

Musto’s music career

Musto began playing the piano when she was five and less than a year later she was entered into a local music competition.

“I was actually in an older division for more advanced players, and I won,” she said. “It was right there when we realized we could have something.”

Musto is familiar with the national spotlight. She was featured on the television show "America’s Most Talented Kids" when she was nine.

“I remember I was really nervous,” said Musto. “Of course, anytime you’re on national TV, it’s nerve-wracking, but at that time I didn’t have a lot of experience.”

Since then, Musto — who is a junior at Providence Country Day School — spends her time outside of school playing at local restaurants and other venues, such as Mohegan Sun and Twin River casinos.

“Now I play at restaurants, people who have private parties, corporate functions, I play a bit at school, but mostly restaurants,” said Musto.

Musto is a singer on top of playing the piano, harmonica and a little guitar.

“I more dabble in the guitar,” said Musto. “...I am a classically-trained piano player. That’s how I was trained. More recently, I started taking jazz lessons, so I play commercial stuff now, too.”

Musto — who recently produced an EP with four original songs — said two of her top inspirations are Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen.

“Just really good singers and songwriters,” she said.

While her father has been playing music professionally for about 30 years, Musto said she is still undecided if she wants to pursue music professionally.

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“At this point, I don’t if it’s something I want to do for the rest of my life,” said Musto. “I always want to be playing music. If it gets me someplace higher, better that’s great. But it’s already done a lot for me, and I’m appreciative of that.”

Musto’s parents Billy and Janine said they were extremely supportive of their daughter and unbelievably proud.

“I can’t say enough,” said Janine. “She has just always had a passion for it, loved it, since she was a kid.”

“She’s there. She’s got the whole package, and I’ve always believed in her since she was four years old,” said Billy.

The best part, according to Billy and Janine, is watching their daughter perform.

“I feel great,” said Billy. “That’s the best feeling in my life.”

“I’ve been to every one of her competitions and performances, and you never get used to it. It’s just an amazing experience,” said Janine.

The competition

The Find Your Voice competition is sponsored by the Music and Arts retail store.

According to Musto, part of the contest rules stipulated that contestants choose from a list of songs, and originally, Musto created a medley for submission.

“I was told that’s against the rules,” she said. “...The entry that actually got me to be a finalist, I made arrangements for and recorded it in one day.”

Voting for the Music and Arts competition ends today.

To vote for Musto, “Like” the Music and Arts Facebook page at www.facebook.com/musicandarts, click on the “Find Your Voice Contest” tab on the left, select Musto’s video — titled Alissa M. — and click the button to vote for the video.